Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu was bred in Tibet and later developed further within the Chinese imperial court, with one job above all others: to be good company. Unlike most breeds on this site, it was never asked to herd, guard or hunt, and that history shows in its temperament today. It is an affectionate, people seeking dog that generally prefers a lap to a field, and it tends to get on well with calm households, older children and other pets when introduced sensibly.

Temperament wise, the Shih Tzu is outgoing and sociable but can also be surprisingly dignified and a touch stubborn, particularly around house training, which often takes longer and more consistency than owners expect. It is alert enough to announce visitors without being a persistently noisy breed. Exercise needs are modest, around 20 to 30 minutes a day split into a couple of short walks plus some indoor play, but modest does not mean none; regular gentle activity keeps weight and joints in better order over a long life that can stretch to 16 years.

The coat is where this breed asks the most of its owner, and prospective owners should be honest with themselves before committing. The long, dense double coat mats quickly if not brushed daily, right down to the skin, and most pet owners choose to keep it clipped short every 6 to 8 weeks rather than attempt to maintain full show length. Daily brushing is not optional maintenance, it is the minimum needed to prevent painful matting, particularly behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. The long facial hair also needs regular trimming or tying up to keep it clear of the eyes, and tear staining around the eyes is common and needs daily wiping.

The Shih Tzu's large, prominent eyes sit shallow in their sockets, making them more vulnerable to scratches, ulcers and dryness than deeper set eyes; any squinting, redness or cloudiness warrants a prompt vet check rather than a wait and see approach. Its flat, brachycephalic face is relatively moderate compared with some extreme examples of flat faced breeds, but it still narrows the airway enough to cause snoring, snuffling and reduced heat tolerance, and owners should avoid exercising it in warm weather, never leave it in a hot car, and watch for laboured breathing or blue tinged gums as emergency signs. Choosing a breeder who selects for a visible nose, open nostrils and a longer muzzle rather than the flattest possible face meaningfully reduces these risks, which is why this breed is sometimes held up as a comparatively better flat faced option when bred thoughtfully.

Health beyond the face and eyes includes a tendency toward dental crowding given the small jaw, and patellar luxation in the knees is worth screening for in breeding stock. Overall the Shih Tzu is a fairly robust small dog provided its coat, eyes and breathing are actively managed rather than ignored.

This breed suits owners who want a genuinely affectionate companion, are realistic about daily grooming or budget for regular professional clips, and who will keep exercise sensible in hot weather. It is a poor match for owners wanting a low maintenance coat, an athletic hiking partner, or anyone unwilling to commit real time to facial and eye hygiene. In the right home, it is a warm, loyal and thoroughly good natured companion.

It is worth saying plainly that the Shih Tzu's coat is not a cosmetic preference but a daily responsibility. Owners who imagine a quick weekly brush will keep the long coat in order are usually disappointed within a few weeks, as mats form fast behind the ears, in the armpits and around the tail base, and once established they are painful to remove and often require clipping out entirely. Many pet owners sensibly opt for a practical short clip, sometimes called a puppy cut, maintained every six to eight weeks by a professional groomer, which reduces daily brushing to a more manageable few minutes while still needing attention to the face and feet.

Socially, the Shih Tzu was never selected for guarding or working instincts, and this shows in a generally easygoing, adaptable nature that travels well and settles readily into new environments, provided it has its people nearby. It can be prone to separation related distress if left alone for long stretches, since the breed's entire history has rewarded closeness to humans rather than independence. Early, gradual training to tolerate short absences helps considerably, and this is a conversation worth having with a breeder or behaviourist before problems set in.

Finally, prospective owners should think carefully about the realistic cost of ownership beyond food and insurance. Grooming alone, if outsourced to a professional, can represent one of the largest ongoing costs of keeping this breed, and veterinary costs linked to eye injuries, dental crowding or breathing checks should be budgeted for rather than treated as unlikely extras. None of this should discourage a well prepared owner, since the Shih Tzu remains one of the more genuinely companionable and good natured small breeds available, but going in with clear eyes about coat, eye and breathing care makes for a far better outcome for both dog and owner.